Look what's Happening in Tokyo
Issue: November 2005

Public Holidays in November
November 3rd is Bunka no Hi, Culture Day. A national holiday held to celebrate the Meiji Emperor's birthday. After his death the name was changed to culture day. On this day the present Japanese emperor will hand out the Order of Culture Awards. The Ceremony is held in the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. Award winners in the past have included designer Hanae Mori, Keizo Saji who helped change the national custom of drinking sake to that of hard liquor, mainly whisky and beer, while he was serving as president from 1961 to 1990 of Suntory Ltd., and Neil Armstrong, Micheal Collins and Edwin E. Aldrin Jr, the 3 American astronauts who were aboard the first landing mission to the moon aboard Apollo 11. Throughout this day there are various festivals held to celebrate art and tradition all over Japan.

November 23rd is Kinro Kansha no hi, Labour Thanksgiving Day as this falls on a Sunday the 24th is a holiday.

Festivals, Lucky Chickens, and Mickey Mouse!

Shichi-go-san - Throughout November
Throughout November but particularly around November 15th you are highly recommended to visit the local shrines in your area there you will see children (Boys who are 5 years old and girls who are 3 or 7 years old) dressed up in beautiful kimonos receiving Shrine blessings. The name of the festival derives from the children's ages and the stages in growth. The custom became popular in the Edo period.

Meiji Reidaisai at Meiji Jingu Shrine October 31st ~ November 3rd
Celebrations are held in memory of the Meiji emperor's birthday. Various events are held over the 5 day period including displays of horseback archery, classical music, dance and Noh
To get there: Take the Yamanote line to Harajuku station or Chiyoda line to Meiji-jingu mae station and head for the Meiji Shrine.

Cirque du Soleil "Alegria 2" Till November 13th
If you haven't seen this Canadian circus troupe yet, then there is still time to see their legendary "Alegria 2" show. Non-stop entertainment high-wire jumps, trapeze acts, Jugglers, fire-dancers, trapeze artists, and of course the clowns. Tickets 5500 - 11500
To get there: Yoyogi Stadium is a five mins. walk from Harajuku station on the Yamanote line.

Yusa November 4th - 6th
As the premier jazz venue in Tokyo, the Blue Note is the place to hear some of the world's greatest jazz musicians. Cuban born Yusa swings into Tokyo for a 3 night appearance at Blue Note Tokyo this month. Come and listen to her cutting-edge songs which allow us to glimpse into the contemporary emotional lives of urban Havana. Price 7,350
Shows at 19:00 & 21:30 (18:30 & 21:00 on November 6th)
To get there: 8 mins. walk from Omotesando station on the Ginza, Hanzomon and Chiyoda lines.

Tori no Ichi - at Juzaisan Chokoku-ji in Askakusa November 9th & 21st
Every November on the Chicken's Day, called Tori no Ichi there is a crowd of people over at the Juzaisan Chokoku-ji Temple buying a Kumade. (rake) This is bought in the hope of bringing in good business to the company and to stay in good fortune. The old rakes are replaced with new ones and it is said that the buying of a bigger rake each year will bring happiness for the New Year. The rake is decorated with lucky charms like a money-gathering cats, cranes, pines gold foils etc. The price is determined by the size and the decoration. The chicken days are decided using the Chinese zodiac and it is said that if there are 3 Chicken days in the month then there is a likely chance of a fire breaking out. This year there are only 2 days!
To get there: 7 mins. Walk from Iriya station (North exit) on the Hibiya Line. Or 15 mins. Walk from Tawaramachi station on the Ginza line

K Ballet "The Nutcracker" November 16th -20th
Tetsuya Kumakawa began studying ballet when he was 10. He showed so much talent that, when he was 15, the next obvious step was to study ballet in Britain. At 17, he became the youngest dancer on record to be promoted to soloist of the British Royal Ballet. His dancing has received enthusiastic praise ever since. In 1993, he became the first dancer from East Asia to be named Principal (lead dancer) of the Royal Ballet. Tetsuya's career with the Royal Ballet lasted 10 years, until he left the company in 1998 to start his own company. This month he returns with his K Ballet troupe with one of the most popular romantic ballets.
Time: 18:30 on 16th, 17th 14:00 on 19th and 15:00 on 20th No performances on 18th
At the Bunkamura Orchard Hall Tickets 7,000 yen to 18,000 yen
To get there: 7 mins. walk from Shibuya station on the JR and Ginza, Hanzomon lines.

Disneyland/Sea Christmas Fantasy November 7th through to December 25th
It is never too early to think about Christmas. Being away from home can be the hardest at this time of the year. But a visit to Disneyland or Disney Sea will help to add some Christmas cheer. Classic Christmas songs fill the parks, lovely decorations adorn the different park areas. Disney characters wander the park in their Christmas outfits and special Christmas menus are put on in the restaurants.
To get there: Maihama station (South exit) on the JR Keiyo Line or JR Musashino Line.

Flowers in Bloom This Month

Chrysanthemums - This traditional flower plays an important role for the Japanese life. Since the 13th century it has been the official symbol and crest of Japan's Imperial family. The motif was found on clothing, sword blades, and official documents. The cultivation of the Chrysanthemum has become an art form in Japan and it is worth visiting an exhibition if you have time
Meiji Shrine has a wonderful display on the main walk to the Shrine.
(A full list of other exhibitions is available on request)
To get there: Harajuku station on the Yamanote line or Meiji-jingu Mae on the Chiyoda line.

What's going on elsewhere in Japan

Hakone - the Federal Lord's Parade November 3rd
In the Edo period it was necessary for the Daimyo (feudal lords) to present themselves on an annual basis to the Shogun residing in Tokyo to report on what was happening in the Daimyo's local area. The Federal Lord's Parade is a recreation of the crossings of the Daimyo. Around 250 people wearing clothes of the period proceed up the original stone path.
To get there: Shinkansen or Tokaido line to Odawara. Change to Tozan line to Hakone. From Hakone take a local train to Gora.

by Sarah Yamada